Door Threshold Insert for ADA Slope Compliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional door thresholds fail to comply with the updated American with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations regarding slope, which has led to exclusion from compliance, necessitating a threshold capable of a compliant, gradual slope while maintaining an effective seal to prevent air, water, and heat transfer.
Innovation Solution
A threshold insert with an elongated member providing a seal along the door's bottom edge, featuring a door engagement surface with a slope of at least 2 units horizontal to 1 unit vertical, designed to fit within a threshold saddle, ensuring compliance with ADA requirements and effective sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional bumper stop is used at the threshold, then it provides an effective seal to prevent air and water flow, but it does not comply with ADA regulations requiring a 2:1 slope
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the slope parameter of the threshold from the conventional steep angle to a compliant 2:1 slope. The threshold body is configured with a top surface that slopes from the interior side to the exterior side at an angle between 15-30 degrees, specifically designed to meet ADA requirements while maintaining sealing effectiveness through the door stop interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The threshold system is divided into separate functional components: a threshold body providing the sloped surface for ADA compliance, and a door stop component providing the sealing function. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function while working together as an integrated system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the threshold slope is reduced to meet ADA 2:1 requirements, then ADA compliance is achieved, but the sealing effectiveness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The door stop acts as an intermediary element between the sloped threshold surface and the door. It provides the actual sealing contact with the door bottom while the threshold body provides the compliant slope. This intermediary approach allows the sealing function to be decoupled from the slope function, resolving the contradiction between ADA compliance and sealing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The threshold system applies different local qualities to different regions: the threshold body surface provides a gradual 2:1 slope for ADA compliance and accessibility, while the door stop contact region provides a localized sealing interface with the door. This local differentiation allows each region to fulfill its specific function without compromising the other.
Data Source
AI summary
A threshold system and threshold insert for transitions through doorways. An insert for a threshold saddle to be used with a door includes an elongated member for providing a seal along a bottom edge of the door and to be received in a seat in the saddle. The insert defines a door engagement surface adapted to extend across both the seat and the change in elevation to engage the door to provide the seal. When installed for use, the door engagement surface, the saddle adjacent to the sides of the seat, or both provide an overall slope of at least or approximately 2 units horizontal to 1 unit vertical. A threshold system includes a saddle and the insert. The door or an appurtenant door shoe may have an angled surface to interface with the door engagement surface of the insert.